Caitlin Crowley on a fun and winning roll

Like many kids, Caitlin Crowley started rollerblading in her driveway and her neighborhood.

Unlike many kids, the 10-year-old from East Longmeadow owns a bunch of inline speed skating trophies.

Crowley, who has been competing at inline events for a little more than a year, won two races at the National Amateur Roller Skating Association National Championships in July. She won the 300-meter and 500-meter races in the juvenile girls division, and in the process set championship records.

"I felt surprised and happy," said Crowley, referring to her two national titles.

Crowley graduated from the driveway to a club in July of 2008.

"She used to just rollerblade all around the neighborhood," said Crowley's mom, Sue. "Then Gary (her father) said he's got to try to find something for her to do outside of the neighborhood. He called different places, e-mailed people, and the closest (club) was in Connecticut."

Upon joining Ron A Roll in Vernon, Conn., in July of 2008, she immediately drew her coach's attention.

"I noticed right off the bat she was good at skating," coach Jesus Conde said.

In fact, Crowley was very good. Along with her record-setting performances at the national championship, Crowley won a 5K race and placed second behind a professional adult skater in a 10K in Pennsylvania in mid-July.

"I like going fast," said Crowley, who's entering fifth grade at Mapleshade Elementary School in East Longmeadow.

"Outdoors, she usually beats all the other kids, and what is she, 10 years old? She's been doing very, very well," Conde said. "She loves to skate. I always make her chase me down. She likes beating me sometimes. If she keeps it up, she's going to be a very good skater."

The races are held indoors or outdoors, often in a with a heat of six races. Participants must wear a helmet and wrist guards. Race distances vary. Crowley said she thinks she's better at the longer distances.

Crowley, who makes the 30-minute trip to her club four times a week yearround for practice, has attended roughly 10 competitions. She heads to Virginia for a half-marathon Sept. 13.

"I'm looking forward to it," she said.

WOODEN BAT TOURNAMENT: The Dreams Bat Company will host the Youth Fall Wood Bat Tournament, which is open to 10-12 teams. The games will be played at Powder Hollow Field in Enfield Sept. 18-20.